Development of a Trash Harvester for MnDOT - Phase II

Trash collection along a roadside is usually done by hand which requires a lot of workers and time. There are machines available to remove trash on smooth surfaces such as concrete, but none of them are able to pick-up litter on grassy areas.

The objective of this project is to design and build a machine to collect trash and litter lying on grassy areas alongside a road. A "trash harvester" would make the process easier, safer, faster, and more economical. The trash harvester was initially designed with a shredding attachment; however this has been superseded with a conveyor design.

The trash harvesting principle has been proven in field trials and the machine will collect 100% of paper, bottles, and soda cans. The machine will also lift 2 x 4s up to 15" in length.